The Best School Holiday Activities in Sydney this Spring

Spring school holidays in Sydney don’t have to mean two weeks of screen time and cabin fever. Whether you’re after free family fun at Darling Harbour, a bushland adventure closer to home or a proper overnight escape without leaving the city, there’s plenty on. Here, our edit of the best school holiday activities to keep the whole family happy.

School Holiday Activities in Sydney: Spring 2026

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Turn the Kids Into Mini Pizza Chefs

Looking for a school holiday activity that comes with lunch? Mary’s is inviting kids aged 5–12 into the kitchen for two hours of pizza-making fun, where they’ll knead their own dough, choose their toppings and make a mini Mary’s Hot Pizza. Every little chef also gets a take-home hat and apron, colouring-in and a Mini Chef Licence with 10% off at Mary’s venues for 12 months. Sessions run at Mary’s Hot Pizza in the Entertainment Quarter on September 30 and October 7, with just 10 spots available per session.

September bookings made here and October bookings made here.

Cruise the Harbour with a Pancake Stack in Hand

For a holiday outing that doubles as a treat for the grown ups too, Vagabond’s Dutch Pancake Cruise sails from King Street Wharf for a relaxed 90 minutes on the water. Kids can build their own stack from a spread of sweet toppings like Nutella, Biscoff and fresh fruit, while the more savoury inclined can go for scrambled eggs, bacon or smoked salmon, all while cruising past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. There’s live background music, indoor seating if the weather doesn’t play along, and open decks for when it does. Just two sailings run across the holidays, so it’s worth locking in a spot early.

Thursday 1st & 8th October, 11am–12:30pm, departing King Street Wharf. Bookings essential here.

Get Sporty at Sydney Olympic Park

Spring is the perfect excuse to burn off some energy, and Sydney Olympic Park’s Kids in the Park program is built for exactly that. Head to the Quaycentre for basketball, netball, soccer and table tennis clinics run by some of the city’s best coaches, or take it to the water at the Aquatic Centre with water polo and diving sessions that cover the basics of technique and safety. There’s also archery workshops and laser tag on offer if your crew wants something a bit different, and most sessions run for under $25. With over 50 activities across the two weeks, it’s an easy one to build a full day around.

Sydney Olympic Park

More details here.

Step Inside the Wizarding World

The wizarding world has arrived at Paddington Pavilion at Sydney Olympic Park and it is exactly as good as it sounds. Across a series of immersive galleries packed with original props and costumes, kids (and adults, let’s be honest) can brew potions in the Potions Classroom, get sorted by the Sorting Hat, conjure a Patronus in the Forbidden Forest and come face to face with a Boggart in Defence Against the Dark Arts. There’s even a first edition of the Philosopher’s Stone displayed in a Gringotts-inspired vault. This one is running until 11 October, so there’s no need to rush, but do book ahead.

Bookings here

Paddington Pavilion, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.

Make the Most of Darling Harbour’s Spring Lineup

Darling Harbour’s spring calendar is just as packed as its winter one, and a good chunk of it is free. Imagination Station takes over the Pier Street underpass from 2–5 October with hands-on creative workshops and colourful play zones for little ones, while the Chinese Garden of Friendship hosts its Moon Festival on 4–5 October, complete with lantern making, tea ceremonies and mooncake tastings. Darling Square gets in on the celebrations too, with glowing lantern displays and LED lion dancers running from 27 September through to 12 October. For something after dark, catch the free spring drone show lighting up the sky above Cockle Bay Wharf every Saturday night in September.

Darling Harbour

Details here

Wander the Royal Botanic Garden in Bloom

Spring is when the Royal Botanic Garden really shows off, with the garden beds in full flower and harbour views to match. Kids can join guided tours and holiday activities scattered throughout the grounds, or you can skip the structure altogether and let them loose on the lawns with a picnic blanket. The Calyx and the greenhouse are worth a look too if the weather turns, and best of all, wandering the grounds doesn’t cost a thing.

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

Find a Quiet Corner at Wendy’s Secret Garden

If the big-ticket attractions have worn everyone out, Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden in Lavender Bay is the antidote. This tucked-away oasis is threaded with winding paths, sculptures and shaded picnic spots, and it’s free to explore at your own pace. It’s a lovely one for younger kids who’d rather potter and explore than queue, and the harbour glimpses through the trees make it a nice reset before heading back into the city.

Lavender Bay

Scream Your Lungs Out at Luna Park

Luna Park is open daily through the school holidays, which makes it an easy one to build a day around. The Hair Raiser will test the brave ones, Coney Island’s old-school amusements are perfect for the little ones, and a spin on the Ferris wheel gets you postcard views over the harbour without the crowds of the CBD attractions. It’s an easy add-on if you’re already spending the day around the harbour.

Milsons Point

Go Whale Watching On The Water

This express 2-hour whale watching cruise departs from Circular Quay, takes you past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and out into open ocean where an onboard marine naturalist talks you through the annual migration. There’s a whale watching guarantee too, so if you don’t spot one then your next cruise is free. Bookable through Experience Oz and departures run daily at 9:30am, 12pm and 3pm through to November.

Bookings here.

Campbells Cove, Circular Quay. From $91 per adult.

Make a Day of It with the Sydney 4 Attractions Pass

If you’re after a full family day in the city without the mental load of figuring out what to book, the Sydney 4 Attractions Pass via Experience Oz does the heavy lifting. One pass covers SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and Madame Tussauds and they’re all within easy walking distance of each other which makes things easy. You’ve also got 60 days to use it after your first visit so you don’t need to rush it and can spread each experience out. It’s genuinely better value than buying separately, and it also comes with a bonus digital photo pass for the memories!

Bookings here.

Darling Harbour. From $64 per person.

Stay Over at Discovery Parks Lane Cove

Discovery Parks Lane Cove is the kind of place that makes a mid-week staycation feel like an actual holiday, even when you’re close to home. Nestled inside Lane Cove National Park just 10 kilometres from the CBD, the park has cabins, glamping tents and powered sites for campervans, plus a swimming pool, BBQ facilities and direct access to 40 kilometres of bushland trails. During school holidays it makes an ideal base where you can spend your days kayaking on the river or biking through the park, and evenings around the barbecue.

Bookings here.

Saddle Up for an Unforgettable Horse Riding Adventure

Have a horse lover in the family? Eastside Riding Academy’s Horse Riding Camps are the perfect school holiday adventure for kids aged five and up. With half-day and full-day options, they’ll enjoy lessons in covered arenas, scenic rides through Centennial Parklands, and plenty of hands-on horse fun. Whether they’re total beginners or have some experience, these camps are a great way to build confidence around these beautiful animals and make new friends.

From $260, tickets available here

Centennial Parklands

Rock on at the School of Rock Camp

These school holidays, Big Music is hosting music camps for kids aged 5 to 17, catering to all skill levels. Kids will explore various instruments, collaborate in bands, and perform live, all under the guidance of professional musicians. Whether your child is a budding musician or looking to up their skills, they’ll learn it all here.

Five-day program, $650 per child, book here

85 Alexander Street, Crows Nest

Pat a Furry Friend at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park

Get up close and personal with furry friends at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, home to over 2,000 native animals across 260 species. Here, you can enjoy interactive experiences like hand-feeding kangaroos and wallabies, patting koalas, and exploring the Lorikeet aviary.

217 Kildare Road, Doonside

Unleash Their Inner Thespian with a Short Course at NIDA

Looking for an exciting way to spark creativity and build confidence these holidays? NIDA’s short courses for kids are designed for a range of age groups, from kindergarten to year six; these fun and engaging workshops are a great way to keep young minds active over the holidays.

From acting and storytelling to movement and improvisation, there’s a course that suits every interest and skill level. Led by NIDA’s expert tutors, kids will develop new skills, make friends, and, most importantly, have fun. 

See the full schedule here

NIDA, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington

Run Wild at Ninja Kids’ Easter Holiday Workshops

Get ready for an action-packed break with Ninja Kids’ holiday workshops. Designed for kids aged 5–12, this high-energy experience combines physical activity, fun challenges, and ninja-inspired training. Whether your child is a first-time ninja or a seasoned pro, they’ll build confidence, strength, and agility while having a blast. 

Led by skilled instructors, the program features obstacle courses, parkour moves, team games, and more, all in a safe and supportive environment. It’s the ultimate way to keep kids active, engaged, and making new friends during the school break.

Full-day program $75 per day, half-day program $40 per day, full schedule here

Brookvale, Hornsby, Erina

Enjoy Loads of Adventures at Immersive Gamebox Sydney

Challenge friends and family at Immersive Gamebox Sydney, the latest high-tech attraction, where your body becomes the controller. With 14 immersive games to choose from, including the new Escape AI, an escape-room adventure set in a digital realm, it’s a great activity for the gamer in your family. Family-friendly options like Tetris, PAW Patrol, Angry Birds, and Ghostbusters offer hours of interactive fun for all ages.  

From $50, book here

Aquarium Wharf, Sydney 

Reach New Heights at Sydney Tower Eye with a SKYWALK Adventure

Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Sydney from the Sydney Tower Eye, the city’s highest observation deck. At 250 metres above the ground, you can admire iconic landmarks and the stunning Sydney Harbour.

For the thrill-seeking child, families can step outside on the SKYWALK, Sydney’s highest outdoor experience. This adrenaline-pumping walk offers an unforgettable perspective of the skyline. 

From $84 per adult, $64 per child, book here

Westfield Sydney, Level 5/108 Market Street, Sydney

Take a Coding Course at Code Camp

Code Camp is back this spring school holidays with an exciting lineup of sessions, including the highly anticipated Minecraft programs Get Crafty and the all-new Get Sporty. These camps, designed for kids aged 5-13, spark creativity, form new friendships, and try out problem-solving and have some hands-on fun. Spots are limited, so make sure you book early!

Various dates throughout April

Various locations across Sydney

Tickets available here

Get Arty at Splatter Paint

Embrace your child’s inner artist during the school holidays with an exhilarating session at Splatter Paint. Throw on a smock and goggles, grab a brush, and let the creativity flow onto the canvas. With one and two-hour sessions on offer, kids can enjoy a creative journey filled with fun and self-expression. Guardians must accompany children under five.

Active and Creative Kids vouchers accepted

From $65, bookings essential 

Level 2/78 Spring Street, Bondi Junction

Burn Some Energy at the All-Ages Playground in the City

Who doesn’t love a school holiday activity that doesn’t cost a cent? Enter the beyond-impressive Darling Harbour Kids’ playground in the heart of the city. Parents can pick up a coffee nearby and watch from the sidelines as the kids zoom down the 21-metre flying fox, build sandcastles, whiz down the massive slide, navigate the webbed ropes and cap it all off with a splash in the water play area. 

And, if you’re keen to mix up your usual park spot, check out our edit of the best parks in Sydney. From Freshwater Beach’s newest playground to incredible set-ups in the suburbs, we’ve unearthed them all. 

1-25 Harbour Street, Darling Quarter, Darling Harbour

While Away the Day at the Ashley Dawson-Damer Children’s Art Library

For the curious kid who loves to read, the Ashley Dawson-Damer Children’s Art Library at the Art Gallery of NSW is a space designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young minds. With beautifully curated books on art and design, cosy reading nooks, and inviting spaces, it’s a chilled-out sanctuary and the perfect school holiday activity (which is also totally free).

Level 3 of the Art Gallery’s original south building, now known as Naala Nura

Enjoyed our edit of the best school holiday activities in Sydney? Why not have a read of our round-up of the most family-friendly neighbourhoods in Sydney? Then check out our explainer on how to style your kids’ bedroom.